Question

what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
b =
\boxed{} kilometers

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Pythagorean theorem

For right triangle: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c=9$, $a=5$

Step2: Rearrange to solve for $b$

$b = \sqrt{c^2 - a^2}$

Step3: Substitute values and calculate

$b = \sqrt{9^2 - 5^2} = \sqrt{81 - 25} = \sqrt{56}$

Step4: Compute decimal and round

$\sqrt{56} \approx 7.5$

Answer:

7.5 kilometers